The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) are seeking feedback on proposals to strengthen government oversight for consenting renewable electricity infrastructure in New Zealand.
With the aim of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and interim targets of 50% renewable energy consumption by 2035 and 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030, the government intends to enhance the National Policy Statements for Renewable Electricity Generation and Electricity Transmission under the Resource Management Act (RMA). These proposed changes seek to streamline the consenting process, promoting efficiency, certainty, and environmental sustainability. The proposals encompass:
- Recognising matters of national significance;
- Assessing environmental impacts;
- Addressing adverse effects;
- Acknowledging Māori interests;
- Upgrading existing generation;
- Facilitating small-scale generation; and
- Improving transmission standards.
It will be important to consider the interaction between this policy statement and other relevant National Policy Statements that are already in place. This is particularly relevant for offshore wind developments, which may also need to navigate the requirements of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS), which guides the management and protection of the coastal environment. The NZCPS includes provisions to safeguard natural landscapes, coastal ecosystems, habitats, and cultural heritage sites.
If the proposed changes in renewable electricity infrastructure lead to the establishment of offshore wind farms, careful consideration will be necessary to ensure compliance with the objectives and policies outlined in both the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation and the NZCPS. Striking a balance between the potential benefits of offshore wind and the imperative to conserve and protect the coastal environment will be crucial.
The government actively seeks feedback from stakeholders, including Māori, local government, the renewable electricity sector, NGOs, and the public, to ensure that the proposed changes effectively support the development of renewable generation. For more information, visit https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/renewable-electricity/.